Building a Stronger PUEBLO Through UNITY
The Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition exemplifies the UNITY mission by fostering community, preserving cultural heritage, and addressing critical issues within their tribal nation. As part of the UNITY Network, the coalition demonstrates the transformative impact of youth leadership in driving social, spiritual, mental, and physical wellness initiatives in their community.
Empowering Through Community Service
The Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition actively engages in community events that promote physical and social wellness. Their annual Christmas Gathering and Gift Giving event united 158 participants, spreading holiday cheer and fostering intergenerational connection. Elijah Arculeta, a coalition member, reflected, “It’s about more than gifts—it’s about strengthening the bonds within our community.”
The coalition also organized an Arts and Crafts Fair that prioritized local vendors, hosting over 50 participants and welcoming 200 attendees. This event not only boosted local entrepreneurship but also served as a vibrant social gathering for the community, showcasing UNITY’s mission of uplifting and uniting Native voices.
Addressing Critical Social Issues
One of the coalition’s most impactful contributions is their community-wide presentation on drug identification. Recognizing the risks posed by drug paraphernalia in multigenerational households, this event provided essential education for grandparents and guardians. “Our goal was to equip families with the tools to protect their loved ones,” shared Donna Quintana, a coalition leader. This initiative aligns with UNITY’s emphasis on addressing critical issues through education and proactive community engagement.
Learning Through Leadership Opportunities
The coalition’s involvement in the New Mexico Tribal Leadership Summit demonstrated their dedication to learning and service. They assisted tribal leaders, gained knowledge about the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), and received recognition for their efforts. Jamie Crowe, a coalition member, emphasized, “It was an honor to support our leaders and learn about such an important topic. We came away with a deeper understanding of our role in the community.”
Through events like these, the Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition showcases the UNITY creed, which emphasizes responsibility, respect, and pride in heritage as key pillars for leadership and service.
Strengthening Community Through Communication
The coalition’s creation of a quarterly newsletter is another example of their commitment to enhancing communication and connection within the community. Focused on healthy choices and youth involvement, the newsletter serves as a platform to inform and inspire. This initiative reflects UNITY’s guidance for youth councils to create impactful programs tailored to their community’s needs.
A Model for Youth-Led Change
The Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition exemplifies the power of youth councils to address local needs while contributing to a national movement. By participating in UNITY conferences and engaging with peers from across the country, the coalition builds bridges between communities, fostering shared learning and collective growth.
As Donna Quintana aptly stated, “Our coalition is about more than events—it’s about creating opportunities for youth to lead and for our community to grow together.” The Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition’s dedication to UNITY’s mission inspires other councils nationwide to embrace their role as agents of change.